Unofficial and unauthoritative opinion on LDS, Latter-Day Saint, or Mormon Doctrine concerning the Nature of God, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the Plan of Salvation, the Apostasy and Restoration, and Priesthood Authority.

Thursday, September 04, 2008

How is the understanding of some Evangelical Christians about the worth of a soul in the eyes of God any better than an abortionist or an evolutionist? I understand Christians are all about being humble and giving God all the glory. However, I think there is a disconnect between the Evangelical view of the worth and potential of the human soul in the eyes of God (through Christ) and what the Bible teaches as well as real-world application.

An abortionists considers a human embryo to be worthless as it is. A pro-life christian should consider the worth of a human embryo to be in its future potential. So, what is the future potential of a human soul through Christ? Is our future potential just to add one more angel to the heavenly choir to endlessly circle God's throne? Or, does the Bible promise more through Christ?

An human evolutionist considers man to be evolved from slime and to be an improbable mistake. Therefore it really doesn't matter what what we do on this Earth, because after we die, that's it. So, get what you can. The Christian creationist should understand that while man is nothing without Christ and that our bodies will return to the dust, that our immortal spirits are the spiritual offspring (Acts 17: 28-29)of God and we were created in the image of God and have a divine potential and destiny that is better and more excellent than the angels (Heb 1:4).

Acts 17: 28-29 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.Heb. 1: 4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Gal 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Rev. 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Ps. 82: 6(John 10: 34) I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.

It is the Bible which elevates man and says without Christ man is nothing, but with Christ man has infinite potential. And all glory be to the Father and the Son. It is the Bible which says that God is a God of gods, and King of kings, a Lord of lords. God wants man to realize our full potential through Christ. Doing so doesn't detract from the greatness and glory of God, but adds to it. Does, the success and achievement of your children detract from you? Or, does their success honor you. This is the meaning of scripture when God says, "This is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:29)

According to the textual, biblical, and cultural context of scripture, God is a God of gods (Ps. 136:2), King of kings, Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16), Apostle of apostles (Heb. 3:1), Judge of judges (Ps. 82:1), Bishop of bishops, Shepherd of shepherds (1 Pet. 2:25), Holy of holies, and High Priest of high priests (Heb. 3:1); the Most High God, and the Most High Priest (Gen. 14:18-20, 22).

Therefore, it is the Bible which makes man kings and priests unto God for the glory of the Father and the Son. In Revelations, in preparation for the tribulation, while the Beast is marking his followers, John describes that God is busy "sealing his elect in their foreheads" (Rev. 7: 3) and says that the tribulation would have no power over them (Rev. 9: 4).

Rev. 1: 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Rev. 17: 14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

So, it seems to me that the Bible speaks highly of the potential of the soul of man. These scriptures seem to support the LDS view that God desires, through Christ, to elevate man which adds to His glory and does not detract from His greatness, glory, or perfection. God is not a static being but dynamic and it is a manifestation of His power and glory that God can elevate the souls of man.

LDS believe that the souls of man are God's spirit offspring in a figurative sense that a glorified and tangible God would not need to use the mechanics of uterine gestation to organize an intangible spirit. Yet, LDS believe that the Bible refers to God as Father and man as His children in a literal sense that God can make us like Himself through Christ (Jn 3:2)(Matt. 5: 48).

If Evangelical Christians believe that God is all-powerful, why would they deny God the greatest power in the Universe; Pro-creation. Would evangelicals figuratively sterilize God in their concept of Him?Remember that the principle of pro-creation as well as marriage was given to Adam and Eve while in the Garden and before the Fall while they were yet in a state of innocence, and glory. Therefore this is further evidence that these principles are eternal and part of the nature of God.

We are christians. To be a Christian means you believe in the Savior Jesus Christ and you strive to be like him.You've taken that quote of context, go back and look at the surrounding content. And by the way, his name was Joseph Smith, not Smoith I'm afraid. Read the Book of Mormon, then come back and tell me that he's a false prophet, because, from experience, that's impossible to do.

We are Christian. To be a Christian means you believe in the savior, Jesus Christ, and that you live life striving to become like him. That's exactly what Mormons are.Additionally, our prophet was named Joseph Smith, not Smoith.You should read the Book of Mormon, once you've done that, come try to tell me again that he was a false prophet. I know from experience that this isn't possible. I hope that you give it a try :)